Peat-based compost used by UK public bodies despite proposed ban

Forestry England among agencies still buying peat, which is UK's biggest natural store of CO₂

Government agencies are still buying peat-based compost even though the environment secretary is planning to ban it, new data has revealed.

Peatlands occupy about 12% of the UK's land area, and are the country's largest natural carbon dioxide store, locking in an estimated 3.2bn tonnes of CO_2, as well as providing habitats for birds, insects and plants. For years they have been neglected and dug up, and currently just 20% of UK peatlands remain in a natural state.